As you may have noticed, there's a free demo for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice out now on the 3DS eShop. The full title isn't far away, but this taster will allow us all to dive into the first court case.
Nintendo has also shared an eight minute animated prologue to get us in the mood. It's an entertaining...

As Summer drifts towards Fall in the Northern Hemisphere, time is running out for game publishers to use the hot season for seasonal sales. For Nintendo of America that particular promotional gravy train ends soon, with its 'Summer Savings' eShop discounts set to expire on 1st September.
If you haven't yet...

Close your eyes for a moment and picture the scene. You find yourself in the midst of an epic battle – the sound of swords hitting shields surrounds you in every direction, great warriors are displaying the courage and spirit of 1,000 men as they fall for their cause, some random guy is sprinting around with the sole purpose of...

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update; this week certainly has some enticing options. The New 3DS Virtual Console has a triple whammy of Street Fighter titles, while the Wii U's retro service has a rather fun DS title. Beyond that are...

Nintendo is gearing up, as is always the case, to make a splash at PAX West in Seattle. Download games will be at the core of that again, with another [email protected] event leading the way among other goodies. Nintendo of America has now announced the 'Nindies Summer Jam', which will bring a notable release...

Inti Creates has had plenty of experience with developing official Mega Man games in the past, so it came as little surprise when the company finally ended up doing its own take on the formula with Azure Striker Gunvolt. The action platformer still stands as one of the best games available on the 3DS eShop, and it's...

Initially released in 1987 and famed for its controversial ad campaign, arcade title Psycho Pigs now makes a return to 3DS in this remake by Bergsala Lightweight.
The premise of the game is to beat up other pigs using bombs, without getting injured yourself. Unlike, say, Bomberman, you are free to roam around the arena...

Some of you may be aware of The Legend of Kusakari, a bizarre upcoming game about a humble man whose one mission is to trim back all the grass on battlefields so heroes can fight without tripping over anything. It's obviously taken heavy inspiration from the Legend of Zelda series, with a similar logo and a visual style that apes...

There's a scene in the film The Expendables 2 in which main character Barney Ross - portrayed by perennial badass Sylvester Stallone - revs up a motorcycle to send it careening unmanned up a ramp and through the windshield of a helicopter. This is the vibe that Gunslugs wants to convey. As far as 8-bit run-and-gun shooters go,...

Terry Cavanagh's punishing platformer VVVVVV has returned to the North American 3DS eShop after a prolonged absence.
The game was removed from the store back in May following the discovery of an exploit which allowed users to run unsigned code on their 3DS consoles.
If you've not picked it up yet, VVVVVV is on sale at $4.75 for a...

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 isn't far away in the West, bringing us a flashy sequel to one of the standout 3DS eShop titles; it's due to land on 30th September.
The sequel is certainly ramping things up with the cast, in particular, with a range of allies - including the playable Copen - and a group of...

It's the start of another week, and Nintendo of Europe has juicy Download Update details showing which games are on the way to the eShop. This offering includes a high profile demo, a much-loved SNES game on 3DS and some rather promising new games on both Wii U and 3DS. Throw in a...

Though SEGA's success in the console industry was relatively rocky after its 16-bit days, the Genesis was certainly nothing to be sniffed at in its heyday. The console played host to dozens of classic titles, many of which have received excellent 3D remakes on the 3DS over the past few years.
For those of you that missed some...

The 3DS has been subject to several homebrew vulnerabilities over the last few months, with games like Citizens of Earth, VVVVVV, and SmileBASIC all having to be removed and reuploaded to the eShop. Hackers have found a way to run unsigned code on the 3DS utilising a pre-existing entry point, which could be found in certain...

With summer slowly but surely drawing to a close, many young gamers are no doubt scrambling to clear out as much of the backlog as possible before school resumes in fall. Unfortunately, Nicalis has just put on a sale on the eShop in North America, so that backlog could be in great danger of being lengthened even more.
The...

First, there was Pong, and lo the people deemed it to be worthy. Since then it has been immortalised as a test of skill for two players, two gladiators going head to head and shooting for goals and glory. Next, the early nineties would reveal the natural evolution of this classic challenge - Windjammers. A competition...

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice is the next full entry in the series heading to the West, and the good news is that there's a confirmed release date and a demo on the way. The demo will arrive on 25th August and include part of the first courtroom scenario from the game, and the full title will arrive on...

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has some promising download-only titles across Wii U and 3DS, while it all gets rather sporty on the Wii U Virtual Console. The New 3DS VC gets a rather fun SNES title from Capcom,...

In July we reported that SmileBASIC had been taken off the 3DS eShop as a result of a Homebrew exploit targeting the app. As has been the case with multiple games, once Nintendo became aware of an exploit using the app it removed it promptly, leaving Smileboom with the task of producing an update to...

In the madness of E3 month some announcements can fall under the radar, and one that's been brought to our attention is the upcoming release of Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure on the 3DS eShop. Published by Mastiff, it's a 3DS version of a game that won a lot of plaudits on PSP and PC in the past.
A 3D...

This writer vaguely remembers Power Rangers on TV as a child in the '90s, and was surprised to recently discover that the series is still going, and there's a big-budget movie on the way in 2017 - some things just never go out of fashion.
The series originated, back in the day, as a localisation (with...

Long before Pokémon GO was everywhere, Pokémon Shuffle was released on Nintendo 3DS to a curious audience. Free to play games aren't too common on the dedicated portable, so it came as with a somewhat different flavor to your typical 3DS game. We thought the in-app purchases were a bit much, but found it to be...

Without a plot, purpose, or any real explanation for what exactly is going on, Puzzle Labyrinth on 3DS lives up to its title by unceremoniously dumping the player into a complex maze filled with monsters, traps and strange riddles. Your only hope of escape lies squarely in your ability to complete each puzzle and unlock a...

If you read our Nintendo Download Update details for Europe recently you'll have seen Ambition of the Slimes in the 3DS eShop category, a turn-based RPG in which you control slimes of various abilities. Developed by Altair Works and being published by CIRCLE Entertainment, it certainly...

With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update details, giving us the heads up on what treats to expect. Highlights this week include a puzzle adventure game with some potential on Wii U, an enjoyable Wii download and a couple of SNES Mega Man...

Inti Creates came upon a terrific formula with Azure Striker Gunvolt on 3DS, a title that looks fantastic on the portable and importantly plays just as well. We're pretty keen to try out Azure Striker Gunvolt 2, as a result, and thankfully it's due this year.
It's only a few weeks away in Japan, though, so it's been...

If you've played any conventional Zelda games, then you no doubt understand Link's sisyphean struggle to battle the long grasses of Hyrule. Considering that grass contains rupees, hearts, magic, and other helpful items, it's always worth your while to go and clear out a patch of grass just because. Evidently, Librage really likes...

It's that time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week brings another retro Pokémon game to the Wii U Virtual Console, while there are some new download games to consider on both the home console and 3DS. Throw in a couple of demos and some...

It's the start of another week, and with that come the details for the upcoming European Nintendo Download Update. This week only has a couple of new arrivals on the 3DS, with much of the update dedicated to discounts and HOME Themes; if you're a pinball fan there's plenty to...

Back in mid-May Citizens of Earth was taken off the 3DS eShop as a result of it being used for a homebrew exploit. As per Nintendo's current policy, exploits released online are rapidly (often within 24 hours) counteracted by the removal of any apps or games that are being utilised. The developers in question are,...

A while ago we told you about Quest of Dungeons, a turn-based dungeon crawler that utilises procedurally generated environments. It has permadeath, too, so that when you die you start again with a new hero - yep, with a retro look it offers a retro-style level of challenge. The Xbox One version's trailer is...

It's that time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week celebrates the Birthday of a certain pink puffball with a few retro treats, while there are some varied and intriguing new download-only releases on both Wii U and 3DS. There are some promising options...

If the success of Neko Atsume proves anything, it's that cats are popular and will not be losing their appeal any time soon. That said, The Battle Cats POP! is not your regular kitty game, incorporating tower defence strategy and delivering something truly unique.
Battle Cats POP! lacks a storyline and throws you into the craziness...

We're a little later than normal with the European Nintendo Download Update details today thanks to a bit of confusion, but in any case our pals at Nintendo Insider have helped us out, so a big hat-tip to them. This week brings plenty of Virtual Console goodness across both...

Though Metroid Prime: Federation Force is still a little while away on 3DS, Nintendo has surprised owners of the portable with the sudden release of Metroid Prime: Blast Ball as a free download on the eShop, giving players an early chance to try out the controls of the new entries and to engage in some futuristic sci-fi sports.
The...

The time has come, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has a range of promising download-only releases on both the Wii U and 3DS, while some high profile demos also nudge their way into view. Throw in some discounts (including some that...

With the start of another week we have the usual batch of details for the goodies due in the European Nintendo Download Update. Coming up on Thursday we have a range of promising download-only titles across Wii U and 3DS, including a New 3DS exclusive. We also have a new Wii...

As reported late last year, Power Disc Slam is the debut game from UK based Chequered Cow Games, which is run by former Argonaut man David McEwen. This 3DS title is, in spirit at least, a modern take on Neo Geo title Windjammers, albeit with modern features and 60fps stereoscopic 3D.
The game now h

The 3DS eShop has been host to some quirky releases, and a virtual portrayal of the Rubik's Cube certainly fits the bill. Cypronia aims to give you the puzzling experience on the go and at home with a dual release, no doubt hoping that nostalgia and a taste for a challenge will...

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. We'd suggest that this week is a good 'un - there are promising download-only titles on both Wii U and 3DS, while the Virtual Console also has some tasty options. There are also two major...

Life may be good when you're a ninja block, but the original BOXBOY! possibly ended up doing a bit too much sneaking around when it released last year. The HAL Laboratory puzzle-platformer went completely under the radar for some people, never gaining widespread attention or shaking the eShop up with its monochromatic...

With the current mania around Pokémon GO, there's no doubting that Pocket Monsters are hot property right now. The good news for European fans of more traditional 'mon experiences is that they will soon be able to grab the original classics at a discount.
Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that, between 14th - 28th July,...

This year has seen multiple game takedowns on the 3DS eShop, all following the same pattern. A hacker creates an exploit using a game, Nintendo spots this, the game is taken off the eShop mere hours after the exploit is posted online. Games that have gone offline in recent weeks and months include VVVVVV, Citizens of Earth and the...

Just recently Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva appeared in a European Nintendo Download Update, purchasable as a download for €3.99 / £3.59. The movie for the iconic Level-5 series may not be well-known to all fans of the games, so it's another chance for it to find an audience.
The good news for 3DS owners in the region is that...

Adventure Bar Story was a quirky and enjoyable release on the 3DS eShop, and now developer Rideon Japan - with publisher CIRCLE Entertainment - is bringing a spin-off to the West called Adventure Labyrinth Story.
Described as a rogue-like RPG, you set off into a randomly generated dungeon with the goal of...

Another week begins, and we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to sink our teeth into. This week has plenty to offer with some major retail releases, some rather nice New 3DS Virtual Console offerings, a range of promising download-only options and some fantastic...

Shovel Knight has made his fair share of cameo appearances, but this latest one has to be his most left-field.
The legendary warrior will be joining the cast of Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 thanks to some amiibo-scanning magic. Scan in the NFC-enabled figure and you'll be able to face off against him in a one-on-one battle...

Kemco has found a comfortable niche on the eShop; over the past few years, the publisher has been steadily putting out budget JRPGs ported from mobile, from Grinsia to Justice Chronicles. They vary in quality, but their mission remains the same: to provide low-priced, nostalgia-tinged JRPG goodness. As the latest in the lineup,...

The 3DS eShop has hosted plenty of retro-styled games, a number of which have been excellent. We're rather optimistic about another that's on the way - Gotta Protectors by Ancient Games.
Known as Protect Me Knight 2 in Japan, this one arrives in North America on 21st July and will cost $12.99. That's an...

When I was a child, I once told my mother that I wanted to work at a gas station when I grew up. I don't know why this was my aspiration at the time, and I don't remember my mother's response, but I never did live up to that goal. I went on to do other things: I went to college, worked a few different retail and customer...

It's time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download update, and this week goes heavy on Virtual Console offerings in particular. The Wii U has two Culture Brain titles, including one that hasn't previously had a VC release, while the New 3DS gets a classic SNES game...

At the weekend we reported on the news that the likeable title Digger Dan DX had been removed from the 3DS eShop due to a takedown notice from First Star Software, the company which owns the rights to the thematically similar Boulder Dash.
It would appear that this problem has now been...

Japanese indie title Back In 1995 launched on Steam in April, and whisks you back in time to the '90s when consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64 ruled the roost. This 3D action game uses deliberately outdated visuals to recreate the authentic feel of the period, and at this year's BitSummit event in Japan, developer...

Summer is pouncing upon us and at the time of writing it's Independence Day in the US and a tad drizzly in this writer's part of the UK. It seems like a typical early July day, but we are shaking things up a little in this latest quarterly entry of the 'Biggest Games' series. We're combining the Wii U and 3DS...

With the start of another week we have the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe, and it's a relatively modest line-up this time around. Two new budget download-only titles arrive on the Wii U, while a fan-favourite also gets a timely discount. On the 3DS there's DLC, discounts...

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 was announced a while back for Japan, but a release in other territories was subject to doubt for a time. Sure, Azure Striker Gunvolt performed pretty well on a global scale, but sometimes release schedules just don't make sense. However, a recent listing in Australia outed...

We may not get all of the Ace Attorney games in the West, but we do have Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice to look forward to on the eShop. Capcom's releasing the localised version in September, and is slowly ramping up its efforts to promote the quirky entry in the series.
It sees Phoenix Wright in a...

Digger Dan DX is a recent arrival on the 3DS eShop, which revamped and expanded upon DSiWare title Digger Dan & Kaboom. We rather liked it in our review, appreciating its blend of puzzles and mining, comparing it to the likes of Boulder Dash and Digger T. Rock.
That comparison may

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week has some rather tempting options, with major retail releases across both Wii U and 3DS, along with big name DLC to also consider on each platform. The Wii U Virtual Console...

Are you looking forward to the Rio 2016 Olympics in August? If the recently released Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games didn't tickle your fancy, you might want to live out your olympic dreams in the upcoming Stickman Super Athletics by CoderChild for the 3DS eShop.
If you want to get high competition scores,...

Axiom Verge is a game that very clearly drew strong inspiration from the Metroid games of old, so it came as no surprise when the game was inevitably announced to be coming to Wii U. Tom Happ, the game's sole creator, even referred to it as the game coming to it's "home turf". While that Wii U port...

Prolific eShop developer Renegade Kid is holding a summer blow-out sale on the 3DS eShop in North America.
Seven titles are included in the sale, and all but one is currently selling for half its typical price. The offer ends on June 30th.
Here's the full list:
Xeodrifter
Mutant Mudds

Update:
13AM Games has published an official response to this leak, which you can see below:
We've had another little leak this past week (2016 is the year of 13AM leaks, it seems). But like all leaks, this is some exciting news!
13AM Games is no longer just 13AM Games! We have opened up to game publishing...

Gamers of a certain age will become visibly animated if you mention the names R-Type, Gradius, Thunderforce, Darius and Axelay to them - these 2D shmup classics are held in high esteem even by today's standards, despite the fact that they no longer command AAA status with the vast majority of players.
In short, there's...

Those of you that checked out the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier today may have spotted that one of the new releases, The Battle Cats POP!, is out today. In positive news for all cat fans it's also arrived early in North America, so it's available now on the 3DS eShop in both territories.
Once known as 'that...

With the start of another week comes the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe. This week has some promising download-only releases across Wii U and 3DS, while there are also multiple retail titles to choose from including the latest in the LEGO and Zero Escape IPs. Beyond...

Indie studio MixedBag has revealed that it is bringing forma.8 to the New Nintendo 3DS as well as the Wii U eShop.
The game places you in the role of a probe sent to investigate a mysterious alien world in order to locate a special power source, and MixedBag have cited Metroid as a key influence.
The...

One of the neatest moments of the Treehouse E3 broadcasts (if you're in North America) was confirmation that Rhythm Heaven Megamix had arrived on the 3DS eShop - it'll be released at retail in October in Europe.
The quirky rhythm game had been on our wishlist for a while having arrived in Japan last year - it blends...

It's that time, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings a few major retail releases on Wii U, while the SNES is back on the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. Elsewhere there are three Pokémon games on the Wii U Virtual...

Two weeks ago Nintendo of Europe launched its eShop Five Year Anniversary Sale with more than 40 games getting discounts. It didn't have the same wow factor as the equivalent promotion in Japan, but it's nevertheless given gamers in the region opportunities to grab some quality games at a decent discount.
Well, it ends...

Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games appears to be branching out into publishing, and its first title is Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack.
The pack - which has been listed on the Australian Classification site - contains the first Azure Striker Gunvolt and i

Shovel Knight has been a notable debut success for Yacht Club Games, and it's still ongoing. As a result of numerous stretch goals from the original Kickstarter campaign the studio has been working - for well over a year - on free updates.
The studio has now sent out a status update to backers, also shared on its website,...

Cube Creator 3D launched a little over a year ago for the 3DS, in a time when Minecraft on Nintendo systems was nothing but a pipe dream. We liked the game then and we still like it now, but the development team hasn't been content to simply rest on its laurels and leave the project as is. A free update is due out for Cube...

Many of you will no doubt recall Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition, a wildly inventive and colorful 2D Metroidvania that set the eShop alight when it released back in 2014. We absolutely loved it, and if early impressions are anything to go by, it seems as though DrinkBox Studio's next game - coming to...

It's the start of another week, and though a little later than normal Nintendo of Europe has issued details on what we can expect in this week's download update. It's a week with multiple high-profile retail releases, including some tasty new discounts in the Nintendo...